sinus tachycardia

I am a 41 year old female.  2 years ago I was diagnosed with sinus tach.  I went for ct scan, mri, chest xray,  stress test, etc.  everything came back negative. I was told it was probably anxiety.   I was put on toprol.  About 6 months ago I weaned myself off toprol and was doing fine.  I have been having chest pain-very mild on and off for about 1 month.  My doctor said it was probably nothing.  3 days ago, I started with my rapid heart rate (120), some chest pain and a "tingling/numbness" that comes and goes in my left arm and leg.  I felt very scared and afraid I was going to die.  I started on the toprol again, but I still have some pain that comes and goes.  Should I go back to the cardiologist? Could there be something wrong, or is it probably anxiety?  How long can you have pain before a heart attack occurs.  Thanks for any help you can give.

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

Should I go back to the cardiologist?

You should definitely see a doctor, but it does not have to be a cardiologist.  They symptoms you describe are consistent with anxiety although heart symptoms can sometimes sound like anxiety also.  If the symptoms are exactly the same, it is probably the same cause as before.


Could there be something wrong, or is it probably anxiety

Probably anxiety, but your doctor should help you decide on this. Please don't self diagnosis.  That can be dangerous.


How long can you have pain before a heart attack occurs.

If it is true cardiac pain, the heart attack often occurs with the pain.  Heart injury can occur within minutes.  Since this is the internet, I can't really tell you if your pain is cardiac.  You should call your doctor's office and talk to the doctor on call to help you decide how to handle it.  

I hope this helps. Thanks for posting.